In Portugal election, socialist races ahead of far-right candidate in first round

Key Highlights

• News todayDuring the campaign, Seguro had argued that he was the only one capable of defeating Ventura’s “extremism” and had called on “all democrats” to unite behind him. While the role of president is largely ceremonial, in times of crisis the incumbent can dissolve parliament, call elections or dismiss a prime minister. Portugal’s prime minister, right-winger Luis Montenegro, said he would not be giving any advice on who to vote for in the second round. His minority government already relies on Ventura’s Chega party for support to implement some of its policies. Ventura ‘confident’This is the first time in four decades that no candidate has won outright in the first round by securing more than 50 per cent of the vote. Ventura said he felt “very confident” after casting his vote in the sunny capital. Quick ReadsView AllUkraine, US to advance peace talks in Davos amid renewed Russian strikes, Kyiv negotiator saysAt least 21 killed as high-speed trains derail in southern Spain near Adamuz“We cannot spend our time criticising things and then sit on the couch on the day we are called to make a decision,” he said.“I believe in the good sense of the Portuguese,” said Ventura after voting in his home city of Caldas da Rainha. As he finished his first-round campaign, he called on other parties on the right not to stand in his way if he makes it to the second round. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADAnd in his final election rally he toughened his tone, saying he would refuse to try to please everyone and promising to “put some order” into the country. Voting in Lisbon, Alexandre Leitao, a 50-year-old biologist, said he had voted left wing to stave off the “very negative shift toward the far right”.“We young people are not happy with the country we have,” said 33-year-old Irina Ferestreoaru. She said public approval of Ventura was “a warning sign for the country, because people are desperate to see change”. Far right shiftAnalysts say Ventura has his sights set on eventually running the country as prime minister.“Andre Ventura is running to keep his voter base,” said Antonio Costa Pinto, a political scientist at Lisbon Univ.